On December 12, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump made headlines by inviting Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration, scheduled for January 20, 2025. The invitation, which was extended shortly after Trump won the election on November 5, has stirred discussions about the strained relationship between the two global powers.
According to several reports, Trump stated he and Xi have "had communication as recently as this week" and expressed confidence about their relationship, noting they "got along very well" during previous encounters. This development occurs amid mounting tensions between the U.S. and China, primarily over issues such as trade practices and the alarming rise of fentanyl trafficking.
Despite the warmth conveyed in Trump's invitation, the backdrop remains contentious. Trump, during his campaign, had pledged to impose tariffs on Chinese goods—an additional 10% if cooperation on fentanyl eradication does not improve, with the potential for far steeper tariffs exceeding 60%. His administration is shaping up to be one characterized by hardline stances against China, as reflected by the appointments of several prominent China antagonists to key positions, including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser.
The invitation marks unusual diplomatic territory; since 1874, no foreign leader has been reported to attend the U.S. presidential inaugural ceremony. Traditionally, such events are reserved for ambassadors and diplomats rather than heads of state. This move signals Trump’s aim to solidify his administration's intentions of restoring strong ties with various countries, even when tensions simmer.
Trump's administration faces pressure from both sides of the aisle to adopt either conciliatory or stern policies toward China. With Xi Jinping remaining silent on whether he would accept the invitation, reactions from Chinese state media have served as cautionary tales. Just weeks before Trump's invitation, some outlets warned about the dangers of entering what they termed "a mutually destructive tariff war." They highlighted the potential economic fallout from increased tariffs and pushed for improved dialogue between Washington and Beijing.
Chinese diplomats have urged for more stability and communication, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue to mitigate potential economic disasters. Recent comments from Chinese authorities indicate they are open to engaging with the new U.S. administration, which may soften tensions moving forward. The Chinese embassy's lack of immediate commentary on Trump's invitation adds to the speculation surrounding Xi's response.
Trump's foreign policy outlook suggests he wishes to project strength and reshape America's global posture. By inviting Xi to his inauguration, he might be attempting to hint at reinstated negotiations aimed at resolving the trade impasse, or perhaps to showcase his vision of bilateral talks amid hostility.
Political analysts weigh the core intentions of Trump's invitation against the backdrop of rising domestic pressures to confront China over trade and security issues. The transition to Trump’s presidency can significantly alter previous protocols established during the era of cooperation under former President Barack Obama and tepid engagement under President Joe Biden.
World leaders are reportedly eager to engage with Trump based on the expectation of his return to power—as echoed by his transition spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stating, “World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace through American strength around the globe.” This highlights Trump's approach, which contends America should maintain its standing as the world’s foremost power.
Nevertheless, the road ahead for Sino-U.S. relations remains fraught with challenges. Experts foresee difficult negotiations ahead, particularly related to tariffs and China's economic practices, which have raised considerable concerns among U.S. lawmakers. How Trump’s outreach to Xi will shape future interactions, particularly against the backdrop of strong opposition to higher tariffs domestically, remains to be seen.
Given the circumstances, many will watch closely to see if Xi accepts Trump's invitation and what the tone of their upcoming communications will be. A successful dialogue could pave the way for improved relations, but as seen before, missteps on either side could exacerbate tensions during this pivotal transition period.
With the clock ticking down to January 20, the invitation to Xi could either symbolize the thawing of relations between the superpowers or set the stage for continued conflict as Trump firmly asserts his administration's position on global issues. Whatever the outcome, it’s certain this will be one of the defining moments of Trump’s next chapter.
